A tragic incident has occurred as a child has passed away from rabies after being bitten by a bat while asleep. The parents discovered the bat in the room but did not observe any bite marks, leading them to forgo a rabies vaccine for their child. Rabies, known for its high mortality rate, typically results in death for almost all infected individuals. The child had been hospitalised in Ontario, Canada, since early September following the encounter with the rabid animal. This incident marks the first confirmed case of rabies in the city since 1967.
The identity of the young victim, including details such as name, age, and gender, has been kept confidential to protect the family’s privacy. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through various wild animals like bats, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and skunks. Although the parents did not notice any symptoms of infection, there is an available vaccine that provides full protection against rabies if administered within two days of exposure. Dr. Malcolm Lock from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit disclosed the details of the incident during a recent health board meeting on October 2, as reported by the Mirror.
The incident took place in a region north of Sudbury, Ontario, which is home to hundreds of lakes and at least four different bat species. Due to bats’ small fangs, identifying potential bite marks can be challenging. Medical professionals advise individuals who have had contact with bats to consider receiving a rabies vaccine as a precautionary measure. Bats exhibiting unusual behaviour such as being active during daylight hours, on the ground, or unable to fly should be approached with caution.
Since the discovery of a fungal disease impacting bats in 2006, Ontario’s bat population has significantly reduced. This disease leads to a fungal growth on the bats’ skin, causing it to disintegrate eventually. Rabies affects bats similarly to humans, with the virus quickly multiplying in nerve cells of the brain, resulting in various symptoms. Early signs may include fatigue, fever, headaches, progressing to respiratory issues and mental changes like confusion and seizures.
Without proper vaccination, rabies can lead to a coma and death within weeks of onset. Dr. Lock stressed the importance of seeking medical attention if one has been exposed to bats, emphasizing the need for prompt treatment and vaccination, even without visible bite marks.
It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with bats and seek medical advice promptly in case of exposure to ensure their safety and well-being.